Today's Lesson - History

We all know the old saw, "Know your history, or be doomed to repeat it." Wise advice. I mean if you don't know what mistakes were made in the past how is it possible to keep from making them in the future, or even today for that matter.  This is  the greatest of all human failings. Forgetting the time you applied the front brakes on your bike while making a turn has serious consequences the next time you need to slow down going around the corner; just as serious, if not more so than the first time you did it. Especially if you're wearing shorts and riding on gravel.

Definitely there are some things to learn from the mistakes of others. History is littered with examples.  There are so many it boggles the mind. The ones that really stand out makes me wonder, "what were they thinking?".  I'm sure a few names come to mind when you think of all the despicable and horrible things that have been done in the name of some greater purpose. And yes America has had her share of transgressions, but I would rather focus on the simple fact that learning the "why's" of what has happened in the past are just as important as learning what actually happened. 

For instance, why did they kill all those, " _________"? Was it done for the greater good? Was it done because of racism, lack of resources, national pride, national guilt, differing religious beliefs, or some combination? I know a certain retired philosophy professor that says, "throughout history man has had three major addictions." He calls them, "The three B's: Booze, Bombs, and Broads." Sounds kind of crass, but if you put this premise in the context of some historical event, it does carry some water. I think I would add a "P" to that list, which stands for power. After all, once a leader has all three of the "B's" what's left but the "P". 

So what is it about having power that turns men and masses in to monster's? Some would say that it's insanity, some would say that its a thirst for more power. I would say it's a little of both. It speaks to the self worth of the individual. Just take a look at any of the real monsters that became leaders in the 20th century. Whatever name comes to mind, that person's self worth had to have been pretty low to want to control all the people around them. Either that, or they had such an over-inflated ego they thought they could do no wrong. Stalin (not even his real name), was the son of a drunken shoe maker who beat him, and abandoned his family. He went to school to become a priest, but thought what he was learning was a pack of lies. Hitler never did anything with his life, other than some fairly decent military service in WWI (another power grab) until the National Socialist Party (later the Nazi Party) found out he had the gift of oratory.  Get either of these two together with a slick marketing campaign, and a disgruntled people and it is a clear recipe for disaster. Ask yourself, if you see any similarities to today.

So here's what I learned today. Pay attention to the past. It will give you a frame of reference to make informed decisions. I actually learned this lesson long ago, but I thought repeating the past in this instance wouldn't have a bunch of horrible consequences. Any thoughts?